Systems and methods for multi-mode communication management

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for multi-mode communication management are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises presenting real estate listings regarding properties to buyers. Accounts may be created for buyers and real estate agents. Communications from different communication types between one or more buyers and one or more real estate agents regarding any of the real estate listings may be captured. Metadata corresponding to each of the communications may be captured. The communications and the metadata may be stored. A request including identification of a particular real estate agent, a particular buyer, and a particular property may be received. Particular communications may be retrieved in response to the request, the particular communications corresponding to the particular real estate agent, the particular buyer, and the particular property. The particular communications may be provided to the particular real estate agent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/178,355, filed Jun. 9, 2016, entitled “SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR MULTI-MODE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT,” now U.S. Pat. No.10,943,317, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/173,347, filed Jun. 9, 2015, entitled “COMPUTERPLATFORM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE SELLING OF REAL-ESTATE,” each of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field ofdata communication. More specifically, embodiments of the presentinventions relate to multi-mode communication management.

Description of Related Art

Electronic communications between users can occur through a number ofdifferent means, such as e-mail, texting, video chatting, and voice.These different types of communications evolved separately and, due todiffering strengths, it is common for users to employ different types ofcommunication. However, while the use of different types ofcommunications may be effective, it is difficult to store and provideefficient access across the different types of communications. Forexample, some systems may store email data, other systems may storevoice data, and so forth, but traditional systems do not efficientlystore and provide access to different types of communications.

SUMMARY

Real estate agents typically represent a variety of differentproperties, and communicate with numerous potential buyers (or,“buyers”) before properties are sold. For example, a real estate agentmay communicate with buyers using email, phone, and the like, over aperiod of weeks, months, or even years, before a particular property issold, which can result in large amounts of communication data (e.g.,emails, text messages, chat messages, and the like). Traditionally, realestate agents have only had access to relatively small amounts of suchcommunication data, if they are given any access at all. As a result,real estate agents are often left to rely on their own personal notes,email accounts, and the like, in order to determine the content ofprevious communications. This can cause, for example, real estate agentsto spend extra time preparing real estate transaction documents (e.g.,closing documents). Additionally, regulatory requirements may requirereal estate agents to maintain records of some or all theircommunications with buyers, which can place a heavy burden on realestate agents relying on their own personal notes and accounts to keeptrack of their communications.

Some embodiments described herein include systems and methods formanaging multi-mode communications to facilitate real estate purchases.For example, a real estate agent may communicate with any number ofbuyers regarding a particular property over email, text message, and thelike, and some or all of those communications may be stored and/orcatalogued for efficient access by associated real estate agents. Realestate agents may retrieve previous communications to assist withpreparing real estate transaction documents, complying with regulatoryrequirements, follow-up on potential leads, and so forth. In someembodiments, previous communications may be “packaged” and included inelectronic documents, such as real estate closing documents.

It will be appreciated, multi-mode communication may includecommunications using different communication modes (or “types”). In someembodiments, the different communication types may include text message,email, group chat, one-to-one chat, video chat, interactive video tours,phone, and the like. It will further be appreciated that the differentcommunication types may be implemented using a variety of differentcommunication protocols (e.g., SMS, VoIP, POP3, SMTP, and the like).

In various embodiments, a system comprises a real estate listing moduleconfigured to present real estate listings regarding a plurality ofproperties to a plurality of buyers. A registration module may beconfigured to create accounts for the plurality of buyers and to createaccounts for a plurality of real estate agents. A multi-modecommunication capture module may be configured to capture a plurality ofcommunications from different communication types between one or more ofthe plurality of buyers and one or more of the plurality of real estateagents regarding any of the real estate listings. A metadatacommunication capture module may be configured to capture metadatacorresponding to each of the plurality of communications, the metadataincluding at least identification of the one or more of the plurality ofbuyers and the one or more of the plurality of real estate agentsinvolved in each of the communications. A multi-mode communicationdatastore may be configured to store the plurality of communications andthe metadata corresponding to each of the plurality of communications. Afilter module may be configured to receive a request, the requestincluding identification of a particular real estate agent from theplurality of real estate agents, identification of a particular buyer ofthe plurality of buyers, and identification of a particular property ofthe plurality of properties, and may be configured to retrieveparticular communications from the multi-mode communication datastore,the particular communications corresponding to the particular realestate agent, the particular buyer, and the particular property. Amulti-mode communication output module may be configured to provide theparticular communications to the particular real estate agent.

In some embodiments, the different communication types comprisedifferent communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the different communication types comprise at leasttwo of a text message communication type, email communication type,group chat communication type, video chat communication type,interactive video tour communication type, or a phone communicationtype.

In some embodiments, the metadata comprises any of metadata embeddedwithin captured communications or generated based on capturedcommunications.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality ofcommunications comprises anonymous communication between the particularreal estate agent and the particular buyer without revealing theidentification of the particular buyer to the particular real estateagent.

In some embodiments, wherein the multi-mode communication capture moduleis further configured to transcribe at least a portion of the particularcommunications, and the multi-mode communication output module isfurther configured to provide the transcription to the particular realestate agent.

In some embodiments, the request is generated in response to user inputreceived from the particular real estate agent.

In some embodiments, the request is generated in response to a triggerevent without requiring user input. In related embodiments, the triggerevent comprises a real estate transaction event.

In various embodiments, a method comprises presenting real estatelistings regarding a plurality of properties to a plurality of buyers.Accounts may be created for the plurality of buyers and to createaccounts for a plurality of real estate agents. A plurality ofcommunications may be captured from different communication typesbetween one or more of the plurality of buyers and one or more of theplurality of real estate agents regarding any of the real estatelistings. Metadata corresponding to each of the plurality ofcommunications may be captured, the metadata may include at leastidentification of the one or more of the plurality of buyers and the oneor more of the plurality of real estate agents involved in each of thecommunications. The plurality of communications and the metadatacorresponding to each of the plurality of communications may be stored.A request may be received, the request may include identification of aparticular real estate agent from the plurality of real estate agents,identification of a particular buyer of the plurality of buyers, andidentification of a particular property of the plurality of properties.Particular communications may be retrieved from the multi-modecommunication datastore in response to the request, the particularcommunications may correspond to the particular real estate agent, theparticular buyer, and the particular property. The particularcommunications may be provided to the particular real estate agent.

In some embodiments, the different communication types comprisedifferent communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the different communication types comprise at leasttwo of a text message communication type, email communication type,group chat communication type, video chat communication type,interactive video tour communication type, or a phone communicationtype.

In some embodiments, the metadata comprises any of metadata embeddedwithin captured communications or generated based on capturedcommunications.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality ofcommunications comprises anonymous communication between the particularreal estate agent and the particular buyer without revealing theidentification of the particular buyer to the particular real estateagent.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise transcribing atleast a portion of the particular communications, and providing thetranscription to the particular real estate agent.

In some embodiments, the request is generated in response to user inputreceived from the real estate agent.

In some embodiments, the request is generated in response to a triggerevent without requiring user input. In related embodiments, the triggerevent comprises a real estate transaction event.

In various embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable mediumcomprises executable instructions, the instructions being executable bya processor to perform a method, the method comprising presenting realestate listings regarding a plurality of properties to a plurality ofbuyers. Accounts may be created for the plurality of buyers and tocreate accounts for a plurality of real estate agents. A plurality ofcommunications may be captured from different communication typesbetween one or more of the plurality of buyers and one or more of theplurality of real estate agents regarding any of the real estatelistings. Metadata corresponding to each of the plurality ofcommunications may be captured, the metadata may include at leastidentification of the one or more of the plurality of buyers and the oneor more of the plurality of real estate agents involved in each of thecommunications. The plurality of communications and the metadatacorresponding to each of the plurality of communications may be stored.A request may be received, the request may include identification of aparticular real estate agent from the plurality of real estate agents,identification of a particular buyer of the plurality of buyers, andidentification of a particular property of the plurality of properties.Particular communications may be retrieved from the multi-modecommunication datastore in response to the request, the particularcommunications may correspond to the particular real estate agent, theparticular buyer, and the particular property. The particularcommunications may be provided to the particular real estate agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example system capable offacilitating real estate purchases and managing multi-modecommunications according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of an example method of operation of a systemcapable of facilitating real estate purchases and managing multi-modecommunications according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an example multi-mode communicationmanagement system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of an example method of operation of amulti-mode communication management system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of an example method of operation of amulti-mode communication management system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an example real estate agent systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example method of operation of a realestate agent system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an example buyer system according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of an example method of operation of a buyersystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts an example real estate listing record according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts example agent records according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts example buyer records according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts example communication records according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts an example of a screenshot presented by a multi-modecommunication management system to buyers to view listings of propertiesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of a screenshot presented by a multi-modecommunication management system to a buyer that has selected a listedproperty according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of an example method of obtaining a summaryof communications (e.g., a “communications folio”) using a multi-modecommunication management system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of an example method of obtaining acommunications folio according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram of an example computing device accordingto some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Real estate agents typically represent a variety of differentproperties, and communicate with numerous potential buyers (or,“buyers”) before properties are sold. For example, a real estate agentmay communicate with buyers using email, phone, and the like, over aperiod of weeks, months, or even years, before a particular property issold, which can result in large amounts of communication data (e.g.,emails, text messages, chat messages, and the like). Traditionally, realestate agents have only had access to relatively small amounts of suchcommunication data, if they are given any access at all. As a result,real estate agents are often left to rely on their own personal notes,email accounts, and the like, in order to determine the content ofprevious communications. This can cause, for example, real estate agentsto spend extra time preparing real estate transaction documents (e.g.,closing documents). Additionally, regulatory requirements may requirereal estate agents to maintain records of some or all theircommunications with buyers, which can place a heavy burden on realestate agents relying on their own personal notes and accounts to keeptrack of their communications.

Some embodiments described herein include systems and methods formanaging multi-mode communications to facilitate real estate purchases.For example, a real estate agent may communicate with any number ofbuyers regarding a particular property over email, text message, and thelike, and some or all of those communications may be stored and/orcatalogued for efficient access by associated real estate agents. Realestate agents may retrieve previous communications to assist withpreparing real estate transaction documents, complying with regulatoryrequirements, follow-up on potential leads, and so forth. In someembodiments, previous communications may be “packaged” and included inelectronic documents, such as real estate closing documents.

It will be appreciated that multi-mode communication may includecommunications using different communication modes (or “types”). In someembodiments, the different communication types may include text message,email, group chat, one-to-one chat, video chat, interactive video tours,phone, and the like. It will further be appreciated that the differentcommunication types may be implemented using a variety of differentcommunication protocols (e.g., SMS, VoIP, POP3, SMTP, and the like).

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example system 100 capable offacilitating real estate purchases and managing multi-modecommunications according to some embodiments. The system 100 includesreal estate agent systems 102-1 to 102-n (individually, the real estateagent system 102, collectively, the real estate agent systems 102),buyer systems 104-1 to 104-n (individually, the buyer system 104,collectively, the buyer systems 104), a multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106, and a communication network 108.

The real estate agent systems 102 may be configured to facilitatemulti-mode communication between real estate agents and other associatedsystems and users (e.g., buyers). It will be appreciated that realestate agents (or, “agents”) may comprise real estate agents, and otherrelated experts or professionals, such as, real estate or buildingexperts, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, financial planners,software or service consultants who may interact with clients online,and who may, like the agents, need to extract all of their communicationto document their interaction for legal reasons. In some embodiments,the functionality of the real estate agent systems 102 may be performedby one or more mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, cell phones,smartwatches, tablet computers, or the like), desktop computers, laptopcomputers, and the like.

In some embodiments, agents may interact with the real estate agentsystem 102 (e.g., via a web browser or mobile application executing onthe system 102) to communicate with buyers over different communicationtypes regarding one or more properties. For example, agents may be ableto receive and respond to communications from different buyers, providevirtual tours of properties, and the like.

In some embodiments, the real estate agent systems 102 may be configuredto receive requests from agents for communication data. For example, aparticular agent may request communication data for their communicationswith a particular buyer and/or a particular property. In someembodiments, communication data may be requested for communicationsoccurring during a particular period of time (e.g., all time, a week, amonth, and so forth). For example, an agent may request all of theircommunications with a buyer Frank Jones. This may help, for example,with the preparation of closing documents and/or complying withregulatory requirements.

The buyer systems 104 may be configured to display, or otherwisepresent, real estate listings to buyers. It will be appreciated thatbuyers may include potential buyers, as well as buyers that havecompleted a purchase. In some embodiments, the functionality of thebuyer systems 104 may be performed by one or more mobile devices (e.g.,smartphones, cell phones, smartwatches, tablet computers, or the like),desktop computers, laptop computers, and the like.

In some embodiments, the buyer systems 104 may be configured tofacilitate multi-mode communication between buyers and other associatedsystems and users (e.g., real estate agents). For example, a buyer maybe able to interact with the buyer system 104 (e.g., via a web browseror mobile application executing on the system 104) and to communicatewith real estate agents associated with a property to obtain informationon the property and exchange documents related to the purchase of theproperty.

The multi-mode communication management system 106 may be configured tofacilitate real estate purchases and manage multi-mode communications.In some embodiments, the system 106 may store and retrieve multi-modecommunications between any number of real estate agents and any numberof buyers. This can help, for example, real estate agents communicatewith buyers, prepare documents (e.g., closing documents), comply withregulatory requirements, follow up on leads, and the like. In someembodiments, the functionality of the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106 may be performed by one or more servers,workstations, desktop computer, mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, cellphones, smart watches, tablet computers, or the like), laptop computers,and the like.

In some embodiments, the multi-mode communication management system 106comprises a communications platform allowing agents and buyers tocommunicate with each other. For example, the system 106 may include aweb server, mobile application server, chat server, VoIP server, and thelike. Forms of communications supported by the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106 may include e-mails between buyer and agents, textmessages between buyers and agents, interactive video tours ofproperties hosted by an agent for one or more buyers, and/or a groupchat with an agent and buyers. Each of these forms of communication andmay be initiated and accessed over network 108.

In some embodiments, buyers and/or agents may communicate anonymouslythrough the multi-mode communication management system 106. For example,buyers may be able to communicate with agents without revealing theiridentity and/or other related information. This may help, for example,to increase a likelihood that buyers communicate with real estateagents. Similarly, in some embodiments, agents may be able tocommunicate with buyers without revealing their identity and/or otherrelated information, although typically at least some agent informationwill be revealed to the buyer.

Thus, for example, if buyer John D sends agent Jonathan F an e-mail ortext message, or joins in a video tour, agent Jonathan F may only see aBuyer ID (e.g., customer #12345 or “John D”). On the other hand, whenagent Jonathan F sends buyer John D an e-mail, for example, agentJonathan F′s full name may be displayed, or buyer John D is presentedwith an option to obtain that data, such as by clicking on a hyperlinkedagent name (e.g., “Jonathan F”) which then allows buyer John D to see atleast some of agent Jonathan F′s agent information. In some embodiments,the multi-mode communication management system 106 may provide the buyerwith an option to make their information available to an agent. Thus,for example, the multi-mode communication management system 106 maypresent an option on the screen of a device associated with the buyersystem 104 prompting the buyer to indicate whether an agent may view atleast some of their buyer information. If the buyer indicated the agentis allowed to see at least some of their information, then that agentmay have access to that information.

It will be appreciated that communication information or data, asdiscussed herein, may include information on some or all of thecommunications between buyers and agents. The communications mayinclude, for example, questions from an agent to another agent,questions sent directly to an agent by a buyer; interactive video tourshosted by an agent for one or more buyers, a group chat between an agentand one or more interested buyer; message threads between agents andbuyers, text and SMS messages between a buyer and an agent, and/ore-mail correspondence between and agent and buyer. Thus, for example,communication data may include timestamps, and for e-mail: the senderand recipient, the type of email (answer to a question, etc.) messagebody, attachments; for video streaming, a copy of the video, the author,location, and any live viewers (and any later viewers); for a chat, allparticipants and all messages; and for forum-like communication:questions, answers, participants.

In some embodiments, buyers and agents may communicate directly witheach other and/or through third-party systems, and the multi-modecommunication management system 106 may manage such communications. Forexample, buyer systems 104 may communicate with real estate agentsystems 102 through a third-party email server, VoIP server, or thelike, and the system 106 may be provided with an “echo” copy of thecommunication data. This may allow, for example, the system 106 to bedeployed without requiring users to switch to different servers, emailaddresses, phone numbers, or the like.

In some embodiments, the multi-mode communication management system 106may be configured to provide real estate listings for presentation byone or more other systems (e.g., real estate agent systems 102 and buyersystems 104). For example, the multi-mode communication managementsystem 106 may maintain a database of properties and provide real estatelistings based on that database, and/or provide real-estate listingsbased on property databases maintained by one or more third-parties(e.g., MLS services).

In some embodiments, the communication network 108 represents one ormore computer networks (e.g., LAN, WAN, or the like). The communicationnetwork 108 may provide communication between any of the real estateagent systems 102, the buyer systems 104, and the multi-modecommunication management system 106. In some implementations, thecommunication network 108 comprises computing devices, routers, cables,buses, and/or other network topologies. In some embodiments, thecommunications network 108 may be wired and/or wireless. In variousembodiments, the communications network 108 may comprise the Internet,one or more networks that may be public, private, IP-based, non-IPbased, and so forth.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart 200 of an example method of operation of asystem capable of facilitating real estate purchases and managingmulti-mode communications according to some embodiments. In this andother flowcharts, the flowchart illustrates by way of example a sequenceof steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized forparallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some stepsthat could have been included may have been removed to avoid providingtoo much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that wereincluded could be removed, but may have been included for the sake ofillustrative clarity.

In step 202, a multi-mode communication management system 106 providesreal estate listings regarding a plurality of properties forpresentation by one or more buyer systems 104. For example, a web serveror application server executed by the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106 may provide the real estate listings. In someembodiments, the real estate listings may be maintained by themulti-mode communication management system 106 and/or by a third-partysystem (e.g., an MLS system). Real estate listings may include, forexample, a listing number, listing agent ID, address, propertydescription, listing price, and the like. Example real estate listingsare shown in FIG. 7.

In step 204, the multi-mode communication management system 106 providesdifferent types of communication sessions between one or more of thereal estate agent systems 102 and one or more buyer systems 104regarding any of the properties. For example, a real estate agent system102 may login to the multi-mode communication management system 106 totext chat with a first buyer, email a second buyer, video chat with agroup of third buyers, and so forth. It will be appreciated that some orall of the communications may be anonymous. More specifically, the realestate agent may not receive any identifying information regarding someor all of the buyers, and/or or receive limited buyer information (e.g.,a screenname). In some embodiments, the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106 may host the different types of communicationssessions, although in other embodiments, one or more of the differenttypes of communication sessions may be hosted by a third-party system(e.g., a Skype system), and the multi-mode communication managementsystem 106 may be provided with an echo copy of the session(s).

In one example, a real estate agent may initiate an interactive videotour communication session with a group of different buyers. The videotour may include video and/or audio relating to one or more properties,and the real estate agent and the buyers may be able to communicate witheach other via text and/or voice chat. In some embodiments, real estateagents and/or buyers may be able to see each other during acommunication session via a video feed (e.g., captured by a web cam).Buyers may be able to ask questions during the communication session,and the real estate agent may be able to respond directly to individualbuyers, and/or to the group of buyers. In some embodiments, particularcommunications within a group communication session may be anonymous,while other communications may not be anonymous. For example, one buyermay choose to only reveal a screenname, while another buyer may chooseto reveal their name, address, and/or other attribute information.

In some embodiments, anonymous communications may still be managedand/or stored by the multi-mode communication management system 106. Forexample, the communications may be associated with a particular buyereven though the communication is currently flagged as anonymous. Thismay allow the real estate agent to access the communication at a latertime (e.g., if the buyer provides permission or otherwise indicates thecommunication should no longer be flagged as anonymous).

In step 206, the multi-mode communication management system 106 storescommunication data of the communication sessions. For example, thecommunication data may be stored in real-time (e.g., while thecommunication sessions are in progress), and/or after the sessions havebeen completed. As noted above, the multi-mode communication managementsystem 106 may store echo copies for communication sessions hosted byother systems.

In step 208, the multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesa request for particular communication data between a particular realestate agent a particular buyer. For example, a real estate agent maylogin to a real estate system 102, and input a request that is thenprovided to the multi-mode communication management system 106. Therequest may identify the real estate agent, the particular buyer, theparticular property, and/or a time period (e.g., all time, a particularmonth, week, day, and the like).

In step 210, the multi-mode communication management system 106retrieves the particular communications based on the request. In someembodiments, the multi-mode communication management system 106 mayretrieve all corresponding communications, including anonymouscommunications, and provide a request to the corresponding buyer torelease some or all of the anonymous communications.

In step 212, the multi-mode communication management system 106 providesat least a portion of the retrieved documents to the particular realestate agent. For example, the multi-mode communication managementsystem 106 may provide the non-anonymous communications and anypreviously anonymous communications the buyer has given permission torelease.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram 300 of an example multi-modecommunication management system 106 according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, the multi-mode communication management system 106includes management module 302, a real estate listings datastore 304, anagent datastore 306, a buyer datastore 308, a multi-mode communicationsdatastore 310, a real estate listing module 312, a multi-modecommunication capture module 314, a metadata capture module 316, acontext-aware processing module 320, a registration module 322, asecurity module 324, a multi-mode communication input module 326, and amulti-mode communication output module 328.

The management module 302 may be configured to manage (e.g., create,read, update, delete, or otherwise access) real estate listing records330 stored in the real estate listings datastore 304, agent records 332stored in the agent datastore 306, buyer records 334 stored in the buyerdatastore 308, and communication records 336 stored in the multi-modecommunications datastore 310. The management module 302 may perform anyof these operations manually (e.g., by an administrator interacting witha GUI), automatically (e.g., by one or more of the modules 312-328), orboth. In some embodiments, the management module 302 comprises a libraryof executable instructions which are executable by a processor forperforming any of the aforementioned management operations. Thedatastores 304-308 may be any structure and/or structures suitable forstoring the records 330-336 (e.g., an active database, a relationaldatabase, a self-referential database, a table, a matrix, an array, aflat file, a documented-oriented storage system, a non-relational No-SQLsystem, an FTS-management system such as Lucene/Solar, and the like). Insome embodiments, the functionality of the management module 302 may beincluded in one or more other modules of the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106.

In some embodiments, the real estate listing records 330 records mayeach include a variety of attributes and values associated with a realestate listing. For example, the real estate listing records 330 maystore some or all of the following data:

-   -   Listing Identifier: identifies the stored real estate listing        and associated property.    -   Listing Agent(s): one or more listing agents associated with the        stored real estate listing.    -   Address: address of the property.    -   Structures: number and/or description of structures of the        property.    -   Living Space Size: a living space size, e.g., square footage of        the property.    -   Listing Price(s): current and/or historical listing price(s) of        the property.    -   Other Information: other information associated with the        property, such as notes provided by the listing agents, e.g.,        condition of the property, residential and geographic        information (e.g., school district information).    -   Timestamp(s): time/date information for associated CRUD        operations performed on the stored real estate listing record.

Example real estate listing records are shown in FIG. 10. The realestate listing records 330 may store any additional informationregarding the property including ownership history of the property, pastdamages, modifications, financial information related to the property,tax status, and the like.

In some embodiments, the agent records 332 may each include a variety ofattributes and values associated with a real estate agent. For example,the agent records 332 may store some or all of the following data:

-   -   Agent Identifier: identifies the stored agent record.    -   Agent Account Information: account information, e.g., username,        password, and the like. Some embodiments may have a greater or        lesser amount of account information, and/or it may be        anonymized, encrypted, and so forth.    -   Agent Name    -   Preferred Contact Mode: contact mode preferred by the agent        (e.g., email).    -   Agent's Office Name    -   Agent's Contact Information: contact information (e.g., email        address, phone number, Skype username, mailing address, and the        like) for the agent.    -   Associated Properties: properties represented by the agent.    -   Associated Buyers: buyers with which the agent has communicated.    -   Other Attributes: demographic and/or psychographic attributes        associated with the agent, e.g., age, gender, location, etc.    -   Timestamp(s): time/date information for associated CRUD        operations performed on the stored agent record.

Example agent records are shown in FIG. 11. The agent records 332 maystore any additional information regarding the agent including, forexample, number of times the agent has represented sellers or buyers, ifthe agent sells property above or below asking prices, prices ofproperties sold by the agent in the past, and the like.

In some embodiments, the buyer records 334 may each include a variety ofattributes and values associated with a buyer. In some embodiments,buyer records 334 may be generated prior to buyer account registration.For example, buyer records 334 may be generated in response to aninitial communication with a real estate agent. In some embodiments, thebuyer records 334 may store some or all of the following data:

-   -   Buyer Identifier: identifies the stored buyer record.    -   Buyer Account Information: account information, e.g., username,        password, and the like. Some embodiments may have a greater or        lesser amount of account information, and/or it may be        anonymized, encrypted, and so forth.    -   Buyer Name    -   Preferred Contact Mode: contact mode preferred by the buyer        (e.g., email).    -   Buyer's Contact Information: contact information (e.g., email        address, phone number, Skype username, mailing address, and the        like) for the buyer.    -   Associated Properties: properties viewed and/or sent requests        regarding.    -   Associated Agents: agents with which the buyer has communicated.    -   Other Attributes: demographic and/or psychographic attributes        associated with the buyer, e.g., age, gender, location, etc.    -   Timestamp(s): time/date information for associated CRUD        operations performed on the stored buyer record.

Example buyer records are shown in FIG. 12. The buyer records 334 maystore any additional information regarding the buyer.

In some embodiments, the communication records 336 may each include avariety of attributes and values associated with different types ofcommunications between one or more buyers and one or more real estateagents. For example, the communication records 336 may store some or allof the following data:

-   -   Communication Identifier: identifies the stored communication.    -   Communication Type: type of communication, e.g., text message,        email, group chat, one-to-one chat, video chat, interactive        video tours, phone, and the like. In some embodiments,        communications may be associated with one or more communication        types.    -   Buyer(s): one or more buyers associated with the stored        communication.    -   Agent(s): one or more agents associated with the stored        communication.    -   Listing(s): one or more real estate listings and/or properties        associated with the stored communication.    -   Anonymous: indicates whether the stored communication is at        least partially anonymous. This may be a flag (e.g., on/off),        and/or having varying degrees. For example, particular buyer        information (e.g., account name) may be accessible by an        associated real estate agent, while other attributes (e.g.,        name) may be inaccessible.    -   Timestamp(s): time/date information for associated CRUD        operations performed on the stored communication record.    -   Metadata: metadata associated with the stored communication. For        example, metadata may indicate an agent, buyer, and property        associated with the stored communication.

Example communication records are shown in FIG. 13. The communicationrecords 336 may store any additional information regarding thecommunications.

The real estate listing module 312 may be configured to present realestate listings. For example, real estate listings may be presentedthrough a web browser, web application, or other interface of realestate agent systems and/or buyer systems. In some embodiments, buyersmay select a particular real estate listing to imitate communicationwith a real estate agent representing the particular property. Realestate listings may be generated from property information stored by themulti-mode communication system 106 and/or other systems (e.g., MLSsystems).

The multi-mode communication capture module 314 may be configured tocapture different types of communications between any number of realestate agents and any number of buyers. Captured communications may bestored in the multi-mode communications datastore 310. In someembodiments, communications may be captured in real-time (e.g., as theyare occurring), or in delayed-time. For example, communication data maybe captured from batches of emails, text messages, and the like. In someembodiments, the captured communications may comprise copies orrecordings of the communication between agents and buyers. For example,the captured communications may comprise video files, audio files, textfiles, and the like.

In some embodiments, the multi-mode communication capture module 314 maybe configured to transcribe some or all communication data. For example,text, voice and/or video communications may be transcribed and stored.The transcribed communications may be searched and filtered as describedherein. For example, when a real estate agent requests a particularcommunication, the system 106 may retrieve the transcribed communicationinstead of, or in addition to, a copy or recording of the actualcommunication (e.g., audio file, video file, email message, textmessage, and so forth). Similarly, the transcribed communications may beincluded in a package or folio instead of, or in addition to, the actualcommunications.

The metadata capture module 316 may be configured to capture metadataassociated with multi-mode communications. For example, the metadata mayinclude attribute information of a real estate agent associated with thecommunication, attribute information of one or more buyers associatedwith the communication, and attribute information of the property orreal estate listing associated with the communication. In someembodiments, the metadata may be included within the communications,and/or generated based on the communications. Metadata may include, insome embodiments, time and date of communication, type of communication(e.g., videoconference, VOIP telephone call, text, chat, instantmessage, or the like), duration of communication, or any otherinformation. In various embodiments, metadata may be captured from bothanonymous communications and non-anonymous communications. For example,a buyer's information may be captured for an anonymous communication,but may not be revealed to the real estate agent until the buyerconsents to release the information and/or upon a trigger event (e.g., aclosing event).

The filter module 318 may be configured to receive requests, andretrieve communications based on the request. For example, the filtermodule 318 may receive requests for communications associated with aparticular buyer, a particular real estate agent, a particular property,and/or a particular period of time. Retrieved multi-mode communicationsmay be stored in a cache, buffer, datastore, other logical storage, orany combination. In some embodiments, retrieved multi-modecommunications may be stored as communication packages (or, “packages”).As used herein, packages may comprise communication folios (or,“folios”).

The filter module 318 may be configured to package particularcommunications (e.g., for presentation to a real estate agent and/orinclusion within electronic documents). For example, the system mayretrieve particular communications and generate a package or folio thatmay include the particular communications, and/or a summary of theparticular communications, between a buyer and the agent with respect toa specific property. Thus, for example, it may be required that theclosing papers of a real estate sale include some or all communicationsbetween the agent and the buyer. Thus, in some embodiments, the filtermodule 318 may be configured to: 1) store copies of the electroniccommunications in communications information; 2) allow an agent torequest copies of all communications regarding a specific listedproperty that occurred between the agent and the buyer; and 3) deliverrequested copies of communications to the agent in a communicationsfolio. In various embodiments, the communications folio is: 1) containedin one digital file; 2) are encrypted and password protected; and/or 3)are downloadable by the agent via SSL.

In some embodiments, packages may contain a manifest file that lists allof the materials (the type of communication, the date/timestamp, theparties involved), and where in the archive the information is located.This manifest file can be, but is not limited to, a spreadsheet or atext document (e.g., text, PDF, Word) having links to communicationinformation which the agent may click on to bring up a copy of thecommunication, which the agent may then print.

In addition to agents being able to obtain packages, particular types ofagents, especially professionals such as mortgage brokers, insuranceagents, financial planners, software or service consultants who mayinteract with clients online, and who may need to extract all of theircommunication to document their interaction for legal reasons, areallowed to generate packages of communications between themselves andbuyers.

In addition, the ability to obtain communications folios is generallyuseful for systems that allow for even one form of communication, andthat the ability to do so may not be limited to the structure of systemsdescribed herein. For example, an e-mail program, such as Gmail orOutlook may be modified to include the folio features described herein,and for example, a user could be provided with the ability to request acopy of all e-mails, with or without attachments from a specific sender,over a specific time frame, or including keywords in the subject line,and thus easily obtain copies of emails meeting certain requirements.Thus, for example, a user may filter their e-mail based on certaincriteria, and choose to obtain a communications folio of all of theresulting communications, which may be presented to the agent and/orincluded in related documents.

The context-aware processing module 320 may be configured to determinecontext information associated with particular communications. In someembodiments, context information may include links to relatedproperties, real estate agents, buyers, and the like. For example, areal estate agent may request particular communications associated witha particular buyer and a particular property. The context-awareprocessing module 320 may determine buyers with similar attributeinformation, and provide the real estate agent with links to thosebuyers. In some embodiments, context information may be determined basedon metadata and/or attribute information associated with particularcommunications.

In some embodiments, the context-aware processing module 320 may beconfigured to provide a list of real estate agents to buyers. A list ofreal estate agents may be provided based on buyer attribute information,agent attribute information, communication information, and the like.For example, a buyer may search for real estate listings within aparticular geographic area, and the context-aware processing module 320may determine which real estate agents are associated with thatgeographic area. In some embodiments, the list may be ranked. Forexample, real estate agents with a stronger connection to a geographicarea (e.g., based on representing more properties in the geographic areaand/or being physically located closer to the geographic area) may beranked higher than other real estate agents with a weaker connection tothe geographic area.

In some embodiments, the context-aware processing module 320 may beconfigured to trigger one or more actions based on one or more triggerevents and/or trigger conditions. For example, trigger actions mayinclude generating requests, retrieving particular communications,generating packages or folios, identifying buyer information associatedwith anonymous communications and/or otherwise converting anonymouscommunications to non-anonymous communications, storing communications,determining and providing context information, embedding particularcommunications within electronic documents (e.g., closing documents),and the like. Trigger events may include initiating a communicationsession, terminating a communication session, occurrence of a particularreal estate transaction (e.g., a closing transaction), and the like.Thus, for example, the module 320 may trigger a request for a buyer torelease some or all buyer attribute information for anonymouscommunications with an associated real estate agent upon beginning aclosing transaction. Similarly, upon receiving approval from the buyerto release the buyer attribute information, the module 320 may triggerrelease of the information to the real estate agent and/or insert theassociated communications in related documents (e.g., closingdocuments).

The registration module 322 may be configured to create accounts forreal estate agents and buyers, and/or update account information forreal estate agents and buyers. For example, the accounts may includeattribute information (e.g., account credentials, demographicinformation, psychographic information, and the like). In someembodiments, registration may be required in order to access variousfeatures and/or manage communications. For example, registration may berequired for a buyer to participate in particular types ofcommunications, or for the multi-mode communication system 106 tocapture, or otherwise manage, communications.

In some embodiments, registration may not be required for some features(e.g., the multi-mode communication system 106 may capture, or otherwisemanage, communications). For example, prior to registration, a buyer mayinitially communicate anonymously with a registered agent. Subsequently,the buyer may register for an account, and continue to communicateanonymously with the registered agent, or choose to reveal some or allof their attribute information. Although the initial communication mayhave been made anonymously by an unregistered buyer, the registeredagent, in some embodiments, may nonetheless be able to retrieve some orall of the communications with the buyer, including the initialcommunications. In some embodiments, the system 106 may require approvalfrom a buyer prior to providing the registered agent with anonymouscommunications and/or communications made prior to buyer registration.

The security module 324 may be configured to authenticate access to themulti-mode communication management system 106. For example, thesecurity module 324 may compare permissions (e.g., account credentials)of a real estate agent system 102 or buyer system against storedpermissions prior to allowing the systems 102 and 104 to transmit and/orreceive communications through the system 106. In a specific embodiment,the security module 324 may also be configured to secure communicationsbetween systems. In some embodiments, the security module 324 providesencryption and decryption functionality, e.g., provided by an operatingsystem (e.g., Windows, Linux, Mac OS), or otherwise (e.g., a customsolution). For example, the security module 324 may encrypt datamessages transmitted from the multi-mode communication management system106 and decrypt data messages received at the multi-mode communicationmanagement system 106.

The multi-mode communication input module 326 may be configured toreceive requests and data from one or a plurality of systems overcommunication connections associated with different communication types.The multi-mode communication input module 326 may receive data from asystem through a network or a portion of a network. Depending uponimplementation-specific or other considerations, the multi-modecommunication input module 326 may receive data through a connection,all or a portion of which may be a wireless connection. The multi-modecommunication input module 326 may receive messages, and/or othercommunications from associated systems. In some embodiments, themulti-mode communication input module 326 may be configured to streamdata.

The multi-mode communication output module 328 may be configured to sendrequests to one or a plurality of systems. The multi-mode communicationoutput module 328 may send requests to a system through a network or aportion of a network. Depending upon implementation-specific or otherconsiderations, the multi-mode communication output module 328 may sendrequests through a connection, all or a portion of which may be awireless connection. The multi-mode communication output module 328 mayrequest messages, and/or other communications from associated systems.In some embodiments, the multi-mode communication output module 328 maybe configured to stream data to one or more other remote systems.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the functionality ofthe multi-mode communication input module 326 and the multi-modecommunication output module 328 may be combined in a single module(e.g., a multi-mode communication module). Similarly, other modulesand/or datastores described herein may be combined, or otherwiseconfigured, to perform some or all of the functionality of one or moreother modules.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart 400 of an example method of operation of amulti-mode communication management system according to someembodiments.

In step 402, a multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesan agent login request. For example, the agent login request may bereceived from a real estate agent system 102 and may include agentaccount credentials. In some embodiments, a security module 324 receivesthe agent login request.

In step 404, the multi-mode communication management system 106authenticates the agent login request. For example, the multi-modecommunication management system 106 may compare agent accountcredentials included within the request with corresponding agent accountcredentials stored in an agent datastore 306. In some embodiments, thesecurity module 324 authenticates the agent login request.

In step 406, the multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesan anonymous communication associated with a first communication type.In some embodiments, a multi-mode communication input module 326receives the anonymous communication. In step 408, the multi-modecommunication management system 106 stores the anonymous communication.In some embodiments, a management module 302 stores the anonymouscommunication in a multi-mode communications datastore 310.

In step 410, the multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesa buyer login request. In some embodiments, the security module 324receives the buyer login request. In step 412, the multi-modecommunication management system 106 authenticates the buyer loginrequest. In some embodiments, the security module 324 authenticates thebuyer login request.

In step 414, the multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesan identified communication associated with a second communication type.In some embodiments, a multi-mode communication input module 326receives the identified communication. In step 416, the multi-modecommunication management system 106 stores the identified communication.In some embodiments, the management module 302 stores the identifiedcommunication in the multi-mode communications datastore 310.

In step 418, the multi-mode communication management system 106transcribes at least a portion of the identified and anonymouscommunications. In some embodiments, anonymous communications may betranscribed after the associated buyer has provided permission torelease the anonymous communications. In some embodiments, acontext-aware processing module 320 performs the transcription, and themanagement module 302 stores the transcription in the multi-modecommunications datastore 310.

In step 420, the multi-mode communication management system 106 receivesa request for particular communications. In some embodiments, a filtermodule 318 receives the request. In step 422, the multi-modecommunication management system 106 retrieves the particularcommunications, the particular communications including at least theanonymous communication and the identified communication. In someembodiments, the filter module 318 retrieves the particularcommunications.

In step 424, the multi-mode communication management system 106 providesa request for permission to release anonymous communications. In someembodiments, the security module 324 provides the request. In step 426,the multi-mode communication management system 106 receives permissionto release the anonymous communications. In some embodiments, thesecurity module 324 receives the permission to release the anonymouscommunications. In step 428, the multi-mode communication managementsystem 106 releases the anonymous communications. For example, thesecurity module 328 may instruct the management module 302 to change anattribute value of a corresponding communication record 336 of themulti-mode communications datastore to indicate the communication is nolonger anonymous.

In step 428, the multi-mode communication management system 106 themulti-mode communication management system 106 generates communicationpackage based on the particular communications. For example, thecommunication package may include the transcriptions of the particularcommunications. In some embodiments, the filter module 318 generates thecommunication package.

In step 430, the multi-mode communication management system 106 providesthe communication package. For example, the communication package may beprovided for presentation by the real estate system 102, and/orinclusion in an electronic document (e.g., a closing document). In someembodiments, a multi-mode communication output module provides thecommunication package.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart 500 of an example method of operation of amulti-mode communication management system according to someembodiments.

In step 502, a multi-mode communication management system presents realestate listings regarding a plurality of properties to a plurality ofbuyers. Example screenshots of real estate listings are shown in FIG. 7.In some embodiments, a real estate listing module 312 presents the realestate listings.

In step 504, the multi-mode communication management system createsaccounts for the plurality of buyers and a plurality of real estateagents. In some embodiments, a registration module 322 creates theaccounts and stores the account information in respective buyerdatastore 308 and agent datastore 306.

In step 506, the multi-mode communication management system captures aplurality of communications from different communication types betweenone or more of the plurality of buyers and one or more of the pluralityof real estate agents regarding any of the real estate listings. In someembodiments, a multi-mode communication capture module 314 captures thecommunications.

In step 508, the multi-mode communication management system capturesmetadata corresponding to each of the plurality of communications, themetadata including at least identification of the one or more of theplurality of buyers and the one or more of the plurality of real estateagents involved in each of the communications. In some embodiments, amulti-mode communication capture module 314 captures the metadata.

In step 510, the multi-mode communication management system stores theplurality of communications and the metadata corresponding to each ofthe plurality of communications. In some embodiments, a managementmodule 302 stores the communications and the metadata in a multi-modecommunications datastore 310.

In step 512, the multi-mode communication management system receives arequest, the request including identification of a particular realestate agent from the plurality of real estate agents, identification ofa particular buyer of the plurality of buyers, and identification of aparticular property of the plurality of properties. In some embodiments,a filter module 318 receives the request.

In step 514, the multi-mode communication management system retrievesparticular communications from the multi-mode communication datastore inresponse to the request, the particular communications corresponding tothe particular real estate agent, the particular buyer, and theparticular property. In some embodiments, the filter module 318retrieves the particular communications.

In step 516, the multi-mode communication management system provides theparticular communications to the particular real estate agent. In someembodiments, a multi-mode communication output module 328 provides theparticular communications to the particular real estate agent over anetwork 108.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram 600 of an example real estate agentsystem 102 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, realestate agent system 102 includes an agent interface module 602, alocation sensing module 604, a multi-mode communication module 606, anda real estate agent system datastore 608.

The agent interface module 602 may be configured to present real estatelistings, receive agent input, search for particular communicationinformation, edit documents, present multi-mode communications, and thelike. In some embodiments, the agent interface module 602 may include aweb browser or may use a web browser to display an interface. In someembodiments, the agent interface module 602 may comprise a mobileapplication configured to interact with multi-mode communicationmanagement systems, real estate agent systems, and/or buyer systems.

The location sensing module 604 may be configured to determine ageographic location of the real estate agent system 102. For example,location information may be used to match agents with buyers, confirmagent eligibility to represent particular properties, determine contextinformation, and the like. In some embodiments, the location sensingmodule 604 may be implemented using GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and/or cellularsignals.

The communication module 606 may be configured to send requests,transmit multi-mode communications, receive multi-mode communications,and/or otherwise provide communication with one or a plurality ofsystems. In some embodiments, the communication module 606 may beconfigured to encrypt and decrypt communications. The communicationmodule 606 may send requests to and receive data from a system through anetwork or a portion of a network. Depending uponimplementation-specific or other considerations, the communicationmodule 606 may send requests and receive data through a connection, allor a portion of which may be a wireless connection. The communicationmodule 606 may request and receive messages, and/or other communicationsfrom associated systems. Received data may be stored in the datastore608.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart 700 of an example method of operation of areal estate agent system according to some embodiments.

In step 702, a real estate agent system 102 provides an agentregistration request. For example, a real estate agent may input theagent registration request in a real estate system 102, and the realestate system 102 may transmit the request over a network 108. In someembodiments, an agent interface module 602 receives the input, and acommunication module transmits the registration request. In step 704,the real estate agent system 102 receives a registration authenticationmessage if the registration was successfully completed. Alternatively,the real estate agent system 102 may receive an error message if theregistration was unsuccessful (e.g., indicating what caused thefailure).

In step 706, the real estate agent system 102 provides an agent loginrequest. For example, the real estate agent may input the agent loginrequest in the real estate agent system 102, and the real estate agentsystem 102 may transmit the login request over the network 108. In someembodiments, the agent interface module 602 receives the input, and thecommunication module transmits the login request. In step 708, the realestate agent system 102 receives a login authentication message if thelogin was successfully completed. Alternatively, the real estate agentsystem 102 may receive an error message if the login was unsuccessful(e.g., indicating what caused the failure).

In step 710, the real estate agent system 102 presents a list of buyers.For example, the list of buyers may be based on a current location ofthe real estate agent, and the system 102 may present a list of buyerswithin a predetermined range of the real estate agent system 102 and/ora list of buyers interested in properties within a predetermined rangeof the real estate agent system 102. In some embodiments, the agentinterface module 602 presents the list of buyers. It will be appreciatedthat the buyers may be presented in formats other than a list in someembodiments.

In step 712, the real estate agent system 102 communicates usingdifferent communication types with one or more buyers regarding one ormore real estate listings. For example, the real estate agent system 102may select a first buyer from the list and provide an email to the firstbuyer, select a second buyer from the list, and provide a text messageto the second buyer, receive and respond to a video chat request from athird buyer, initiate a Skype communication session with a group offourth buyers, and so forth. In some embodiments, communications aregenerated based on input received by the agent interface module 602, andtransmitted by the communication module 606 over the network 108.

In step 714, the real estate agent system 102 receives filter attributes(or, “search criteria”). For example, the filter attributes may identifythe real estate agent, one or more buyers, one or more properties, oneor more communication types, one or more time durations, and the like.It will be appreciated that filter attributes may be based on any numberof the attributes described herein (e.g., agent record attributes, buyerrecord attributes, communication record attributes, and the like). Insome embodiments, the agent interface module 602 receives the filterattributes.

In step 716, the real estate agent system 102 provides the filterattributes. For example, the filter attributes may be provided to amulti-mode communication management system 106. In some embodiments, thecommunication module 606 provides the filter attributes over the network108. In step 718, the real estate agent system 102 receives a packagecomprising one or more communications selected based on the filterattributes. For example, the package may comprise some or all of thecommunications with a particular buyer, and/or transcripts of some orall of the communications with the particular buyer. In someembodiments, the communication module 606 receives the package. In step720, the real estate agent system 102 presents the package. For example,the interface module 602 may display video and image communications,playback audio communications, and so forth.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram 800 of an example buyer system 104according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the buyer system 104includes a buyer interface module 802, a location sensing module 804, amulti-mode communication module 806, and a buyer system datastore 808.

The buyer interface module 802 may be configured to present real estatelistings, receive buyer input, search for particular properties andagents, and present multi-mode communications. In some embodiments, thebuyer interface module 802 may include a web browser or may use a webbrowser to display an interface. In some embodiments, the buyerinterface module 802 may comprise a mobile application configured tointeract with multi-mode communication management systems, real estateagent systems, and/or other buyer systems.

The location sensing module 804 may be configured to determine ageographic location of the buyer system 104. For example, locationinformation may be used to match buyers with agents, determine contextinformation, and the like. In some embodiments, the location sensingmodule 804 may be implemented using GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and/or cellularsignals.

The communication module 806 may be configured to send requests,transmit multi-mode communications, receive multi-mode communications,and/or otherwise provide communication with one or a plurality ofsystems. The communication module 806 may send requests to and receivedata from a system through a network or a portion of a network.Depending upon implementation-specific or other considerations, thecommunication module 806 may send requests and receive data through aconnection, all or a portion of which may be a wireless connection. Thecommunication module 806 may request and receive messages, and/or othercommunications from associated systems. Received data may be stored inthe buyer system datastore 808.

FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart 900 of an example method of operation of abuyer system according to some embodiments.

In step 902, a buyer system 104 presents a plurality of real estatelistings regarding a plurality of properties. Real estate listings mayinclude, for example, a listing number, listing agent ID, address,property description, listing price, and the like. Example real estatelistings are shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the real estatelistings are presented by a buyer interface module 802.

In step 904, the buyer system 104 provides anonymous communications. Forexample, the buyer system 104 may select a first agent associated with afirst real estate listing and provide a chat message to the first agentwhile only revealing a screenname (e.g., “Guest,” “Jrock5m” or thelike), join a Skype communication session with a group of other buyersand a second agent, and so forth. In some embodiments, communicationsare generated based on input received by the buyer interface module 802,and transmitted by a communication module 806 over the network 108.

In step 906, the buyer system 104 provides a buyer registration request.For example, a buyer may input the buyer registration request in thebuyer system 104, and the buyer system 104 may transmit the request overthe network 108. In some embodiments, the buyer interface module 802receives the input, and the communication module 806 transmits theregistration request. In step 908, the buyer system 104 receives a buyerregistration authentication message if the registration was successfullycompleted. Alternatively, the buyer system 104 may receive an errormessage if the registration was unsuccessful (e.g., indicating whatcaused the failure).

In step 910, the buyer system 104 provides a buyer login request. Forexample, the buyer may input the buyer login request in the buyer system104, and the buyer system 104 may transmit the login request over thenetwork 108. In some embodiments, the buyer interface module 802receives the input, and the communication module 806 transmits the loginrequest. In step 912, the buyer system 104 receives a loginauthentication message if the login was successfully completed.Alternatively, the buyer system 104 may receive an error message if thelogin was unsuccessful (e.g., indicating what caused the failure).

In step 914, the buyer system 104 provides identified communications. Insome embodiments, identified communications may comprise communicationsthat are not anonymous, e.g., include at least one attribute that may beused to identifier the buyer (e.g., name, contact information, etc.).For example, the buyer system 104 may select a first agent associatedwith a first real estate listing and provide an email to the firstagent, select a second agent associated with a second real estatelisting and provide a text message to the second agent, receive andrespond to a video chat request from a third agent, join a Skypecommunication session with a group of other buyers and a fourth agent,and so forth. In some embodiments, communications are generated based oninput received by the buyer interface module 802, and transmitted by acommunication module 806 over the network 108.

In step 916, the buyer system 104 receives a request to release aportion of the anonymous communications. For example, during a closingon a property, the buyer may be prompted to release prior anonymouscommunication for inclusion in related documents, and/or satisfyregulatory requirements. In some embodiments, the request may bereceived by the communication module 806 over the network 108. In step918, the buyer system 104 provides authorization to release at least aportion of the anonymous communications. For example, the buyerinterface module 802 may receive input indicating the authorization, andthe communication module 806 may transmit the authorization over thenetwork 108. In step 920, the buyer system 104 receives a notificationthe anonymous communications have been released. In some embodiments,the communication module 806 may receive the notification over thenetwork 108, and the buyer interface module 802 may present thenotification.

FIG. 10 depicts example real estate listing records 1002 and 1004according to some embodiments. The listing records 1002 and 1004 includea plurality of attribute fields, such as Listing ID, Listing Agent ID,property address, number of structure, living space size, listing price,and other information. It will be appreciated that some embodiments mayinclude different attributes instead of, or in addition to, theattributes shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 depicts example agent records 1102 and 1104 according to someembodiments. The agent records 1102 and 1104 include a plurality ofattribute fields, such as Agent ID, password, agent name, preferredcontact mode, agent's office name, agent's phone number, and otherinformation. It will be appreciated that some embodiments may includedifferent attributes instead of, or in addition to, the attributes shownin FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 depicts example buyer records 1202 and 1204 according to someembodiments. The records 1202 and 1204 include a plurality of attributefields, such as Buyer ID, password, buyer name, preferred contact mode,buyer's correspondence address, buyer's phone number, and otherinformation. As with other records described herein, the record data maybe stored as individual fields, or as one large JSON object, or as XML,or in some other format.

FIG. 13 depicts example communication records 1302-1308 according tosome embodiments. Each of the records 1302-1308 may correspond to acommunication, and may include copies of, or pointers in memory to, thevarious communications between users (buyers, agents) of system 106, acommunications timestamp, the Buyer ID, Agent ID of the users involvedin each communication, and the Listing ID of the property that thecorrespondence concerned. Thus, for example, communications informationcan include copies or pointers to each text, e-mail, video tour, orwhatever type of communications was exchanged, and references back tobuyer attribute information, agent attribute information, and realestate listing information.

FIG. 14 depicts an example of a screenshot presented by a multi-modecommunication management system to buyers to view listings of propertiesaccording to some embodiments. Screenshot 1400 includes a portion 1402where the buyer may provide criteria to limit a search, such as byprice, size, days on market, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, yearbuild, property type, environmental factors, neighborhood name, etc.Portion 1404 presents listings that meet the buyers search criteria.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of a screenshot 1500 presented by amulti-mode communication management system 106 to a buyer that hasselected a listed property according to some embodiments. Screenshot1500 shows a first portion 1502 having listing detail, a second portion1504 showing the listing agent and their contact information, a button1506 labeled “Chat With An Agent”, and a view 1508 of chats betweenbuyers and the property's agent. While the agents full name is shown,for example as the agent's name 1510, only the buyer's Buyer ID isshown, for example as Buyer ID 1512.

Although it is not illustrated, other pages or buttons provide fordifferent types of communications, including and not limited to e-mailsbetween buyer and agents or experts, e-mails or messages between buyersand agent or experts, group chats between buyers, agents, and experts,and video yours by agents to one or more buyers.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart 1600 of an example method of obtaining asummary of communications (e.g., a “communications folio”) using amulti-mode communication management system 106 according to someembodiments. Specifically, system 106 may be configured to establish asearch criteria, as indicated in step 1602 which may for example andwithout limitation, occur by the user of the system providing searchcriteria to the system, by the user of the system selecting from amongsystem provided search criteria, or by the system determining searchcriteria based on options available to the user. The search criteriamay, for example and without limitation, be one criteria or acombination of criteria, where the criteria may be, for example, andwithout limitation, a specific recipient, a specific topic, or a daterange.

Next, as shown in step 1604 the system searches through system memoryfor all communications meeting the search criteria. As noted herein, thecommunications may be one form of communications, such as E-mails, ormay include several forms of communication, such as E-mails and videochats. Next, as shown in step 1606, the system forms a communicationsfolio from the identified communications. The communications folio maybe, for example and without limitation, one or more files of copies orlinks to communications meeting the search criteria, Lastly, as shown instep 1608, the system provides the communications folio.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart 1700 of an example method of obtaining acommunications folio according to some embodiments. The method offlowchart 1700 is generally similar to the method of flowchart 1600,except as explicitly stated.

As shown in step 1702, the agent first logs into system 106. Next, asshown in step 1704, the agent specifies the buyer and property from areal estate listing. Next, as shown in step 1706, system 106 searchescommunications records 336 to find some or all communications regardingthe listed property and between the buyer and agent. Next, as shown instep 1708, system 106 generates a communications folio. Thecommunications folio may be a single file that uses a standard passwordprotected archive format (including, but not limited to .zip, .gz, rar).In certain embodiments, the agent will be able to select a format.

Next, as shown in step 1710, the system provides a link to thecommunications folio. Next, as shown in Step 1712, the agent selects thedownload button, and as shown in step 1714, system 106 provides thecommunications folio to the agent's device, such as the deviceperforming the functionality of the real estate agent system 102. Insome embodiments, the download is performed via SSL.

FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram 1800 of an example computing device 1802according to some embodiments. Any of the agent systems 102, the buyersystems 104, the multi-mode communication management system 106, and thecommunication network 108 may comprise an instance of the digital device1802. The digital device 1802 comprises a processor 1804, memory 1806,storage 1808, an input device 1810, a communication network interface1812, and an output device 1814 communicatively coupled to acommunication channel 1816. The processor 1804 is configured to executeexecutable instructions (e.g., programs). In some embodiments, theprocessor 1804 comprises circuitry or any processor capable ofprocessing the executable instructions.

The memory 1806 stores data. Some examples of memory 1806 includestorage devices, such as RAM, ROM, RAM cache, virtual memory, etc. Invarious embodiments, working data is stored within the memory 1806. Thedata within the memory 1806 may be cleared or ultimately transferred tothe storage 1808.

The storage 1808 includes any storage configured to retrieve and storedata. Some examples of the storage 1808 include flash drives, harddrives, optical drives, and/or magnetic tape. Each of the memory system1806 and the storage system 1808 comprises a computer-readable medium,which stores instructions or programs executable by processor 1804.

The input device 1810 is any device that inputs data (e.g., mouse andkeyboard). The output device 1814 outputs data (e.g., a speaker ordisplay). It will be appreciated that the storage 1808, input device1810, and output device 1814 may be optional. For example, therouters/switchers may comprise the processor 1804 and memory 1806 aswell as a device to receive and output data (e.g., the communicationnetwork interface 1812 and/or the output device 1814).

The communication network interface 1812 may be coupled to a network(e.g., network 108) via the link 1818. The communication networkinterface 1812 may support communication over an Ethernet connection, aserial connection, a parallel connection, and/or an ATA connection. Thecommunication network interface 1812 may also support wirelesscommunication (e.g., 1102.11 a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi). It will beapparent that the communication network interface 1812 may support manywired and wireless standards.

It will be appreciated that the hardware elements of the digital device1802 are not limited to those depicted in FIG. 18. A digital device 1802may comprise more or less hardware, software and/or firmware componentsthan those depicted (e.g., drivers, operating systems, touch screens,biometric analyzers, or the like). Further, hardware elements may sharefunctionality and still be within various embodiments described herein.In one example, encoding and/or decoding may be performed by theprocessor 1804 and/or a co-processor located on a GPU (i.e., NVidia).

It will be appreciated that a “module,” “system,” and/or “datastore” maycomprise software, hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry. In one example,one or more software programs comprising instructions capable of beingexecutable by a processor may perform one or more of the functions ofthe modules, datastore, or systems described herein. In another example,circuitry may perform the same or similar functions. Alternativeembodiments may comprise more, less, or functionally equivalent modules,systems, or datastore, and still be within the scope of presentembodiments. For example, the functionality of the various systems,modules, and/or datastores may be combined or divided differently.

The present invention(s) are described above with reference to exampleembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made and other embodiments may be usedwithout departing from the broader scope of the present invention(s).Therefore, these and other variations upon the example embodiments areintended to be covered by the present invention(s).

1. A system, comprising: a real estate listing module configured topresent real estate listings regarding a plurality of properties to aplurality of buyers; a registration module configured to create accountsfor the plurality of buyers and to create accounts for a plurality ofreal estate agents; a multi-mode communication capture module configuredto capture a plurality of communications from different communicationtypes between one or more of the plurality of buyers and one or more ofthe plurality of real estate agents regarding any of the real estatelistings; a metadata communication capture module configured to capturemetadata corresponding to each of the plurality of communications, themetadata including at least identification of the one or more of theplurality of buyers and the one or more of the plurality of real estateagents involved in each of the communications; a multi-modecommunication datastore configured to store the plurality ofcommunications and the metadata corresponding to each of the pluralityof communications; a filter module configured to receive a request, therequest including identification of a particular real estate agent fromthe plurality of real estate agents, identification of a particularbuyer of the plurality of buyers, and identification of a particularproperty of the plurality of properties, and configured to retrieveparticular communications from the multi-mode communication datastore,the particular communications corresponding to the particular realestate agent, the particular buyer, and the particular property; and amulti-mode communication output module configured to provide theparticular communications to the particular real estate agent.